Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Thursday, delivering a firm, clear and historic address as South Africa became the first African nation to host the world’s premier economic forum.
Standing before the G20’s vibrant multicoloured protea emblem, Ramaphosa welcomed heads of state and government to what he described as “a defining moment for Africa and for global cooperation.”
“This is the first time the G20 meets on African soil,” he said. “Our continent stands here not as an observer, but as an essential partner in shaping a more inclusive and equitable world.”
🌍 A Call for Fairness in the Global Financial System
Ramaphosa’s opening remarks placed strong emphasis on global financial reform, a central pillar of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
He told leaders that the current debt and financing structures disproportionately harm emerging and developing economies, calling for “a reformed and just financial architecture that enables development rather than restricts it.”
The President said Africa’s growth potential continues to be undermined by unsustainable debt burdens and high borrowing costs. He urged advanced economies and global financial institutions to support affordable, long-term financing to unlock infrastructure, industrialisation and social development.
🌱 Climate Commitments Must Be Real, Not Rhetorical
Turning to climate change, Ramaphosa stressed that Africa is bearing the brunt of a crisis it did not cause.
“Africa contributes the least to global emissions,” he said, “yet suffers some of the most devastating effects.”
He called on the G20 to ensure that climate finance pledges are honoured, that transitions are fair, and that developing economies are not forced to choose between development and decarbonisation.
💻 Bridging the Global Digital Divide
Ramaphosa highlighted digital transformation as another core priority of the 2025 Summit.
He warned that the widening gap in technological access — from digital infrastructure to artificial intelligence — risks creating a new era of inequality.
“The digital divide must not become the new frontier of exclusion,” he said, urging the G20 to champion technology that uplifts developing countries rather than entrench global disparities.
🕊️ Peace, Security and Multilateral Cooperation
In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, conflicts and fractured alliances, Ramaphosa appealed for renewed multilateral cooperation.
“The world does not need more division,” he said. “It needs stronger dialogue, deeper cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace.”
He reiterated that instability in any region ultimately affects all regions, and that global challenges can only be resolved through collective action.
🌍 Africa’s Moment on the Global Stage
Above all, Ramaphosa’s address centred on Africa’s rising influence and strategic importance in global governance.
With a population of 1.4 billion and the world’s youngest demographic, Africa, he said, is no longer a peripheral voice in global affairs but a pivotal player.
“Our destinies are intertwined,” Ramaphosa concluded. “In the spirit of ubuntu, let us work together for a more just, prosperous and peaceful world.”
He then declared the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit officially open, marking the start of three days of high-stakes negotiations, bilateral engagements and continental diplomacy.